The facelift procedure is one of the most well-known in the history of plastic surgery. That doesn’t mean it is renowned for all the right reasons. Some people have at least one wrong idea about this procedure. According to recent statistics, more than 200,000 Americans do not. This is about how many facelift procedures were performed in 2020. As we clear up misconceptions, we see an increase in interest. This isn’t surprising to us, we understand exactly why facelift surgery is the gold standard in facial rejuvenation. Here, we might help you see why, too, by discussing where people often go wrong.

Thinking they’re too young for a facelift

If you haven’t quite reached that milestone of age 50 yet, you may think that a facelift is the last thing you should be thinking about. And yet, when you look at your sagging cheeks and jawline in the mirror, you can’t help but wonder what this procedure could do for you. You’re not on the wrong track at all. In fact, studies have revealed that younger patients who are still in their forties and fifties achieve some of the best facelift results. It is believed that they do because their skin is still relatively thick and resilient so can hold on to results for a longer period of time. 

Believing a facelift results in an altered appearance

Nearly everyone who wants to look younger wants to achieve their goal without anyone knowing. The idea of facelift results looking altered and obvious is not completely without merit. When facelifts were first performed, outcomes did tend to have telltale signs of surgery. This had nothing to do with scarring; facelift incisions are hidden within the hair. It had more to do with the over-tightening of the skin that took place. Way back when, the facelift only repositioned and tightened the skin. To get prolonged results, doctors overdid it a bit. We don’t do this anymore. The modern facelift repositions all layers of tissue involved in creating a youthful face shape, the skin, muscle and fat. As a result, patients look wonderfully refreshed but not “done.” 

Who Needs Surgery?

In this day of modern technology, a common way of thinking is that the facelift itself is outdated, even with its refined techniques. Many people think they can avoid the need for a facelift by maintaining regular Botox touch-ups and getting dermal fillers to restore shape to the cheeks, lips, temples, and other areas. These treatments are excellent. We’re happy to offer them! However, we have yet to see a treatment that rivals the long-term outcomes of facelift surgery. 

Facial rejuvenation is a personal journey that you can take with a board-certified plastic surgeon. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Regina Rosenthal in the San Jose area, contact us at (408) 559-4700.